In fiscal year 2017, the Houston Area OSHA Offices had one suspected heat-related fatality, which was fewer than the three cases we had during the summer of 2016. In addition to the fatalities, during calendar year 2016, there were 13 suspected heat-related hospitalizations, compared to 26 suspected heat illnesses hospitalizations the previous year. Heat illness incidents are preventable. Let's work together to ensure water, rest and shade for workers so everyone makes it home at the end of the day.
Heat-related incidents may result in citation under the 5(a)(1) General Duty Clause, which says each employer shall furnish to each of his employees employment and a place of employment free from recognized hazards causing or likely to cause death or serious physical harm to his employees.
One method to combat hazards is to establish a heat stress management program that incorporates guidelines from the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienist threshold limit values and biological exposure indices, the National Institute of Occupational Safety & Health document "Working in Hot Environments," and OSHA's Safety and Health Topics on Occupational Heat Exposure. Such a program may include, but is not limited to:
⢠Acclimatizing employees beginning work in hot environments or those returning from an absence period of three or more days.
⢠Implementing a work/rest regimen that includes a provision to allow employees to become acclimatized to extreme heat conditions.
⢠Providing a training program for all employees, including temporary employees, day laborers and part-time employees regarding the health effects associated with heat stress and recognizing symptoms and methods of prevention for heat-induced illnesses.
⢠Providing specific procedures to be followed for emergency situations and procedures for first aid to be administered immediately to employees displaying symptoms of injury or illness.
⢠Using dermal patches for monitoring core temperature to better identify when workers need to be removed from the work area.
⢠Providing cool water and encouraging employees to drink 5-7 ounces of water every 10-15 minutes.
⢠Providing shaded areas where heat-affected employees may take their breaks and/ or recover.
For more information, contact Jim Shelton at shelton.james@dol.gov.